Pruning plants intimidates gardeners. It shouldn't. Pruning is one of the best things you can do for the plants in your garden and landscape. Becoming proficient at pruning plants just takes experience and the right tools. The 4 basic tools described here will take care of pretty much all your garden pruning tasks. Keep these tips in mind when selecting your pruning tools:
- Buy the best tools you can afford. They will pay for themselves in the long run. Good quality tools stay sharp longer and cut easier.
- Keep your tools sharpened. A sharp pruner is not just easier to cut with, it also makes a cleaner cut that heals faster. And it puts less stress on your hand.
- Keep your pruning tools clean. One pruning cut on a diseased branch can spread disease throughout your garden. Wipe the blade clean with rubbing alcohol. Always clean your tools before putting them away.
Four tools for the well-equipped plant pruner:
- Hand pruners
- Loppers
- Shears
- Saws
Images 1-4 of 4
 The Most Indispensable Pruning Tool |  When a Hand Pruner Won't Cut It. |  Pruning in Quantity |  Tackling the Big Pruning Jobs |
- Graphic Index
- Text Index